Thanks, I was looking through some of your other post, and love the idea you have.  Our Church takes 6-8 mission trips a year, and that is one of the reasons we have begun to make some of our own puppets.  I think it would be a great idea to travel to all the different countries we visit, and help them to grOW a Puppet Ministry.  So if you don't mind, we may look into starting this type of ministry up as well.

I grew up doing puppets through Jr. High and High School, but since I took this position almost a year ago as Childrens Minister, I wanted to give the kids we are working with an opportuinity to serve through the Puppet Ministry as did I.  So any tips and tricks would be great.  As of now we are using the Old BackYard Bible Club Puppet Skits...(converted them from Tape to CD) lots easier to work with...I was amazed I still had all the original tapes (over 30 I think), as well as Scripts...they are somewhat dated (1980's), but the message is still great!  and the kids seem to enjoy them! But again, any tips and tricks will be helpful!  By the way you have some great looking puppets!

Thanks Caleb for the puppets complement. My Greatest suggestion is to find a creative team. It sounds like you and your wife should be the perfect start. Next Highly suggest using a Script writting software. The one I use is probably the best and easiest out there, better yet it is free. You can find it at www.celtx.com. Stick with the software, it saves a lot of time in the end. I get a lot of great script ideas from a site P&S links too called puppetresourses.com (again free, just remember if you write a script, share with everyone). One of the most important things I have learned, is use this site to it's full potential. There are some truly imagenative, unbelievably skilled people here who want to help. This site truly beats any video or book you can find. I have a document I would love to send that may seam a little overboard, but is full of info on how to use puppets and how to start a puppet ministry. If you want it, I will send you a copy. After you are ready to promote, I would use Weebly.com to give yourself a easy to use point and click "FREE" web site. There is so much more, but rather then boar everyone, I'll stop there for now. You can visit my site www.tgrpuppets.weebly.com to see what I have developed in a very short time.

angelred4kids...I love your Alligator...was it purchased or made?  if made, where did you get the pattern?  And I have a feeling it could become a fun time around the house!

Caleb, thanks! He was actually one of my first puppets and I didn't use a pattern.  However I did use the Paul Louis technique for him.  

I cut out the head with the eyes raised like little humps. I made the snout in two long rounded rectangles, sewed them on, then glued in the mouth plate (it's just poster board!  Not the best but all I had at the time) then I added the eyes, and the teeth - from fun foam, stuffed him and all that.  As an afterthought I added the human arm so there are some seams that wouldn't normally be there.  We used him in VBS last year. He was a great character.  A little slow, but fun.

Here's one of the Paul Louis vids.  There are several.

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https://youtu.be/bjrhkzZlJJM

I couldn't get the youtube embed to work, so I just posted the link.

Caleb,
     Good looking puppet.  A good place to start for children's ministry resources is www.kidology.org.  They have a lot of good ideas for object lessons, skits etc.  They have a forum for other children's ministers and workers.  If you need help with blacklight puppets, I'd be happy to direct you to difference resources or answer any questions you might have.  Sue also performs with blacklight puppets.  It's been a while since I performed, but I can help with the building process and resources.  Check the www.onewaystreet.com website.  They hold regional conferences where you will be able to meet team from your area.  They have classes in basic puppetry etc.  They also have a week long conference in IL this July.  Many of us will be there.

Julie

Caleb,
    There is a conference this month Feb 25 & 26 in Jackson, Mississippi which appears to be about 4 hrs from you guys.  John Coen, Christy Watkins and several others will be teaching.  John has a very active blacklight ministry and Christy Watkins is an all around excellent director.  http://www.mbcb.org/events_details.aspx?ID=1674  Here is the link.  I'm trying to get things made for the conference now.  We will be exhibitors.  Come by and see us. 

Julie

Your puppet turned out great. He definetly has personality. My first puppet just about did me in. I have never cemented , cut, stuffed and sewed so much in my life. After it was all done, I did feel like I accomplished a great deal.  Good luck with your ministry. I have been doing our puppet ministry for almost a year. I inherited a few puppets that were already at the church when I took on the puppets. They are in bad need of repair. Like you, we are not in the budget and our church doesn't support fund raisers so  we are slowly buying and adding to our puppets.  Some places do "adopt a puppets" with their congregation. May be a good way to get funded for some new puppets.  Again, best wishes for your ministry.

Caleb, I'm on vacation right now but will be back home next week. I'll go through my stuff and see what I think you might like. 

Sorry for not getting the puppets to you yet Caleb, but while we were on vacation my hubby's Gramma passed away and we had the funeral this week. So now that I'm back home again, I'll ship them out to you,

Sue

Thanks Sue...

Caleb, I have some puppets boxed up and ready to ship. I'll take them to the post office tomorrow. Sorry for taking so long to send them to you. I think there might be 10 or so puppets coming your way.

Sue